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€85k available to community and voluntary organizations to help promote EU awareness

Published: 4th March 2015

The Minister for European Affairs, Dara Murphy, has today invited voluntary organisations, educational bodies and civil society groups to apply for funding under the Department of the Taoiseach’s EU engagement programme.

This funding will be available in two related areas – projects to be funded under the annual Communicating Europe Initiative grants scheme and for a body to take on the role of National Contact Point for the Europe for Citizens Programme.

The Communicating Europe Initiative (CEI) aims to support projects that will help improve the quality and accessibility of public information on European issues and promote an understanding and awareness of the European Union. Funding of €35,000 has been made available under the scheme this year. Projects which focus on secondary schools and the 18-25 age group will have the greatest chance of success. The closing date is Monday 30 March 2015.

Promoting public awareness and knowledge about Ireland’s role in - and relationship with - the EU is a priority of mine and of the Government. Bringing this message to our young adults is an essential step in that process said Minister Murphy.

A tender has also been issued by the Department of the Taoiseach seeking a Body to take on the role of National Contact Point for the Europe for Citizens programme. This EU wide programme supports activities including civil society projects; debates; cooperation events; town twinning; network of towns and EU wide organisations promoting shared objectives. Funding of up to €50,000 per year for the next three years will be available. The closing date is Tuesday 7 April 2015.